Crime & Safety

Con Air 1 Bolsters Aerial Firefighting Arsenal

The Airbus H-145 helicopter is expected to play a key role in battling any fires that erupt during red flag warning fire weather periods.

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Con Air 1, an Airbus H-145 helicopter, Con Air 1, was fully certified in the last month for fighting fires from the air, Con Fire and Reach Air said Friday.
Con Air 1, an Airbus H-145 helicopter, Con Air 1, was fully certified in the last month for fighting fires from the air, Con Fire and Reach Air said Friday. (Photo courtesy Contra Costa County Fire Protection District)

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — As the Bay Area enters the most dangerous portion historically of a long and dangerous fire season, there is a powerful new weapon in the region's wildfire arsenal.

Con Air 1, an Airbus H-145 helicopter fully certified in the last month for fighting fires from the air, was unveiled Friday by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and REACH Air Medical Services.

The helicopter is outfitted with the latest aerial firefighting capabilities as a result of a partnership between the two agencies, Con Fire Spokesman Steve Hill said.

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"Already dispatched on several recent wildfires, Con Air 1 is expected to play a key role in any fires during current and anticipated Red Flag Warning fire weather periods," Hill said.

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